Should Goodman retrial be moved from Palm Beach County?

Juror misconduct won polo mogul John Goodman a new trial on charges of DUI manslaughter and failure to render aid in the death of Scott Wilson.

John Goodman, during a July 24 court hearing. (Palm Beach Post photo)

Judge Jeffrey Colbath said Wednesday that he might move the new trial for Mr. Goodman, in the wake of his highly publicized trial. That decision might not be made until the fall.

In an editorial, The Palm Beach Post notes that three scenarios are possible: The trial stays in Palm Beach County, the trial is moved to a similarly large county, or the judge and attorneys empanel a jury from another county and bring the jury to West Palm Beach, where it is sequestered.

In the Casey Anthony trial, a jury from Pinellas County heard the case in Orange County, where Ms. Anthony lived.

The Post editorial says that it still could be possible to hold a fair trial in this county with a local jury.

But if a change of venue is ordered, moving the entire trial would be very expensive. The state would have to pay transportation, temporary office, housing and food costs for prosecutors, support staff and witnesses.

In addition, Palm Beach County’s court administration staff might have to participate. That would drive up expenses even more.

A better alternative, the editorial says, would be to hold only jury selection in the chosen county, but bring the jurors to Palm Beach County for the trial.

What do you think? Should the Goodman retrial be moved from Palm Beach County?